County Council approves agreement to expand services to Vashon Sewer District

King County has joined the Vashon Sewer District in projects that will stop raw sewage from flowing onto beaches and into Puget Sound in three Vashon neighborhoods. The King County Council today gave final approval to Executive Ron Sim's recommendation that the Vashon Sewer District become part of King County's treatment system.

King County, the Vashon Sewer District, and the state Department of Ecology are working cooperatively to develop small treatment systems in the communities of Beulah Park/Cove, Bunker Trail, and Spring Beach. The projects are made possible through grants and loans from the state Department of Ecology.

"This cooperative effort will give the people of Vashon new environmental and public health protection," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "I'm pleased King County is able to play a role in providing this vital service, and I thank Councilmember Greg Nickels for his ongoing efforts and support in making this happen."

The improvements to the systems in Beulah Park/Cove, Bunker Trail, and Spring Beach will cost $6 million - $4 million of this will be provided by the state's Department of Ecology through grants and low interest loans.

In addition to developing the systems for the health hazard areas, King County will also take over operation of the district's existing wastewater treatment plant. Vashon Sewer District has had a treatment plant since 1955 on the more developed part of the island. The facilities have been upgraded in 1976 and in the early 90s. Initially, residents probably won't have any increase in sewage fees, although costs will likely increase after the plant is improved in 2001 or 2002.

On July 19, 1999 the County Council amended King County's comprehensive wastewater plan to include the Vashon Sewer District. Today's second action authorizes a sewage disposal agreement that officially establishes the new service relationship between the district and King County. This agreement provides for the transfer of the district's treatment plant to the county and includes the financial terms for the new relationship.

Updated: Sept. 1, 1999